Tropical Spastic Paraparesis: Introduction

Tropical Spastic Paraparesis:
For several decades the term “tropical spastic
paraparesis” (TSP) was used to describe a chronic and progressive clinical
syndrome that affected ... more about Tropical Spastic Paraparesis.

Tropical Spastic Paraparesis: A form of spastic partial paralysis of the lower limbs which occurs in the tropics.
More detailed information about the symptoms,
causes, and treatments of Tropical Spastic Paraparesis is available below.

Tropical Spastic Paraparesis: Animations

Prognosis for Tropical Spastic Paraparesis

Prognosis for Tropical Spastic Paraparesis:
HAM/TSP is usually a progressive neurological disorder
but it is rarely fatal. Most patients live for several decades after the
diagnosis. Their prognosis improves if they take steps to prevent urinary
tract infection and skin sore formation, and if they enroll in physical
and occupational therapy programs.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Tropical Spastic Paraparesis Information Page: NINDS)

Article Excerpts about Tropical Spastic Paraparesis

For several decades the term “tropical spastic
paraparesis” (TSP) was used to describe a chronic and progressive clinical
syndrome that affected adults living in equatorial areas of the world.
This condition was initially thought to be associated with infectious
agents (such as Treponema pertenue and Treponema
pallidum which cause inflammation of the central nervous system) and
with chronic nutritional deficiencies (such as avitaminosis) or
exposure to potentially toxic foods (such as bitter cassava).
Neurological and modern neuroepidemiological studies found that in some
individuals no one cause could explain the progressive weakness, sensory
disturbance, and sphincter dysfunction that affected individuals with TSP.
In spite of public health programs created to eradicate the
above-mentioned infectious and nutritional conditions in the tropics,
large numbers of people continued to be affected. During the mid-1980's,
an important association was established between the first human
retrovirus-human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (also known as
HTLV-1)-and idiopathic TSP (idiopathic means of unknown origin). Since
then, this condition has been named HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/
tropical spastic paraparesis or HAM/TSP and scientists now
understand that it is a condition caused by a virus that results in immune
dysfunction.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Tropical Spastic Paraparesis Information Page: NINDS)

Definitions of Tropical Spastic Paraparesis:

A subacute paralytic myeloneuropathy occurring endemically in tropical areas such as the Caribbean, Colombia, India, and Africa, as well as in the southwestern region of Japan; associated with infection by human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HUMAN T-LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS 1). Clinical manifestations include a slowly progressive spastic weakness of the legs, increased reflexes, Babinski signs, incontinence, and loss of vibratory and position sensation. On pathologic examination inflammatory, demyelination, and necrotic lesions may be found in the spinal cord. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p1239)
- (Source - Diseases Database)

Tropical Spastic Paraparesis is listed as a "rare disease" by the Office of
Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health
(NIH). This means that Tropical Spastic Paraparesis, or a subtype of Tropical Spastic Paraparesis,
affects less than 200,000 people in the US population.
Source - National Institutes of Health (NIH)

By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.